It’s almost that time—Valentine’s Day 2025 is right around the corner. Lots of places are doing special dinners and meals, and we’ve gathered them together here for you. And don’t let V-Day just be for romantic couples! Loving yourself and your friends is just as valid on this day of love.
These listings all take place on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, unless otherwise indicated.
A lot of tidbits crossed my desk this week, so it’s time for another Small Bites. Let’s go!
Bar Asha closed temporarily. This successor to The Sudra posted on Instagram that they are taking time “to rethink what we do here.” I noticed comments are invisible, as they got some pretty intense reactions to the closing, some of which were pretty critical. Wishing them the best as they figure things out. 28 NE 28th Street Portland
Welcome to another edition of Small Bites. Despite being away from this space, I have collected a number of tidbits elsewhere, and am essentially dropping an info load here to share with you. Enjoy!
Lawless BBQ moves into My-O-My. Monster Smash, which gave us many months of delicious smash burgers (and sandwiches and salads), has bid adieu to My-O-My in the Sumner neighborhood, and Lawless BBQ moved into that patio space in early November. Run by Kevin Koch, this is his second location. Their PR contact reached out and here’s what they are offering:
“The second Lawless Barbecue location’s menu will be distinct from the first, and will develop over time as Koch gets to know his new customers’ preferences. The new menu features smoked chicken wings and smoked ribs with a selection of sauces, and will eventually expand to include brisket and other dishes. Koch plans to tailor his recipes to suit the clientele of the My-O-My, known for its tiki-inspired cocktails and mocktails and inviting mid-century aesthetic.” Personally, I’m hoping for burnt ends, cuz I love burnt ends. 8627 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland
I enjoy seeing what Bridgetown Bites readers gravitate toward and August 2022 was no exception to that. It was a bit of a mix this time around: the sad news of Yohhei Sato’s untimely death; restaurant news; and event info. I did attend the Middle Eastern Festival and it was lovely as always—highlights were the chicken skewers and the ma’amoul that melted in your mouth. And remember: O’Dear opens their doors this week! The grand opening is Thursday at noon.
Earlier this week I was shocked to learn of the sudden death of beloved Portland mobile knife sharpener Yohhei Sato. He sharpened knives under the name Sato Sharpening, and was beloved among so many Portlanders—chefs, food industry pros, and regular people alike. I wanted to take this space to recognize him, honor him, and express my sympathy to those who loved him.
For years, now, I’ve hoped for something to open in this beautiful building on the southeast corner of NE Sandy Blvd at 28th Avenue, and now my hopes have been answered. Dear Sandy, which will offer “coffee, cocktails, and community,” will open there, hopefully before the end of 2022. (Can you believe we are almost to autumn?)